1960s Clinton Chronograph Skydiver

Why This Watch Matters

This Clinton Chronograph Skydiver is like a dream come true; it has all the elements we like from the classics, tastefully combined into one.

The Full Story

The Clinton Watch Company has an interesting history. It was established by Hyman Wein, a Russian immigrant, in Chicago in 1922. Instead of building his watches completely in house, he embarked on a mission to import the finest Swiss movements and assemble them for sale in the United States. Later in the 1960s, his son Irving Wein moved the company’s operation to Neuchâtel, Switzerland. As with many small Swiss manufacturers in the 1970s, the company was forced to close its operation and moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands thereafter.

The Skydiver model combines the best of the 1950s and 1960s. First off, the broad arrow hand is reminiscent of early Omega Speedmasters. There is an uncanny similarity to the Blancpain Air Command; the nice black glossy bezel with a transparent overlay is also seen in other Blancpain wristwatches from that era, such as the Fifty Fathoms. This Clinton Skydiver is slightly smaller in scale compared to the 42mm Air Command, but it mimics a similar case design with elongated, beveled lugs and extended pushers. It's also fitted with a Valjoux chronograph movement. If you love this style, you can't go wrong with this watch.

The Nitty Gritty

Overall, this watch is in excellent condition other than the few scratches on the case, which are likely from wear. The dial has aged elegantly with a matching patina on the lume on the markers and hands. The black dial has also softened in color nicely. The black glossy bezel and luminous triangle at the top are in very nice condition.